LONDON, Ont. — 3M is revolutionizing the food processing industry in Canada with the introduction of the 3M Molecular Detection System. This new system provides a fast, accurate, easy-to-use and cost-effective method for detecting dangerous foodborne pathogens, allowing the food processing industry to better respond to pathogens that can shut down businesses and threaten public health, like Salmonella, E.coli O157 and Listeria spp. The assay test kit for Salmonella received Health Canada’s approval on April 4, 2013, and approval of the Listeria spp. assay test kit is currently pending.
The 3M Molecular Detection System is made up of an innovative combination of unique technologies – isothermal DNA amplification and bioluminescence detection – that directly addresses customer testing needs. It is a compact and robust system that is easy to use and maintain without compromising accuracy and reliability.
“We’ve worked closely with our customers to find a faster and simpler way of accurately detecting pathogens,” said Christian Blyth, Food Safety Professional Services Advisor at 3M Canada. “The 3M Molecular Detection System does just that. It maximizes time and productivity to help improve bottom lines, protect brands and most importantly ensure public health.”
Uncompromised results in a compact unit
The 3M Molecular Detection System is sleek and compact – it has a smaller footprint than a laptop computer – making it highly portable and adaptable to a wide range of lab environments. In operation, the system targets and amplifies nucleic acid in enriched samples to deliver highly sensitive results. The automated technology can evaluate produce, meats, processed foods, pet food and food processing-related environmental samples.
“The system was designed to help our customers make critical decisions faster with less time wasted doing repeat tests,” said Blyth. “At the same time, the 3M Molecular Detection System can help manage costs by removing the need for expensive instrumentation and materials.”
Three assays available
The 3M Molecular Detection System platform uses three individual, pathogen-specific assays, or procedural tests, that are sold as test kits: Salmonella (which is now accepted in the compendium of analytical methods), E.coli O157 (including H7), and Listeria Spp. Each assay test kit uses the same software interface and DNA extraction protocol, and can test between one and 96 samples per run. 3M intends to continue investing in the development of pathogen testing solutions.
“In our evaluation of the Listeria species assay, we liked the small footprint of the system as well as the quick delivery of results after sample enrichment,” said Dr. Martin Wiedmann, a professor in Cornell University’s Department of Food Science who studied the system’s analyses of samples taken from meat-packing, seafood processing and retail locations. “This system definitely illustrates the potential of isothermal methods for rapid detection of foodborne pathogens.”
For more information, visit www.3m.com/3mfoodsafety.
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